515511 Sat May 03 12:24:19 -0700 2008 82 10 Florida 0 3653360 Lots happening with the end of a pretty lackluster "season". A difficult time for most restaurants, big chains as well as the smaller chef owned places. Since I live in Fort Myers, I'll report these things and I'm sure others will add later: 1. Harold's on Bay will close and leave downtown Fort Myers with no real fine dining establishment unless you want to count The Veranda. Harold is keeping his tapas style bar open next door H2, but Harold's will close in the next week or so. At one time he was going to open in South Fort Myers but it is a difficult time to try a new place. 2. RedFish BlueFish has closed on Tarpon Bay Rd on Sanibel and Sweet Melissa's has opened in the same spot. 3. Toro is gone and some new Shannon concept is open. It is called Bacchus for now but he has some crazy idea about "Swanky Food". His Cru concept was "Lush wines" or some such. 4. Angelinas is open in Bonita Springs. Looks to be very high end Italian. I think we could use a very good Italian restaurant. Nothing ever quite comes to a first quality level here. 5. The disastrous location at the Fort Myers Country "Club" has claimed another restaurant which will not be missed. The dreadful "Syl's" lasted about 2 years, 2 years longer than it deserved. The new place is called the Edison. It is almost impossible to have the city as your landlord, and that and some very cheap golfers, make the location impossible. LMF Sat May 03 12:24:20 -0700 2008 10438 LilMsFoodie 1 3655112 My mom went to an event at Bacchus last weekend. She said the food was good... not great, but good. I was sorry to see Toro go. I actually liked it and it brought something different to Fort Myers. Also sorry to see Harold's go. Again, one of those places that was by no means fantastic, but it was a great local spot. I wish he would have gotten rid of H2 instead. I did not enjoy the one experience that I had there. Food was a bit lackluster. Sun May 04 09:49:57 -0700 2008 3653360 50537 NiKoLe1625 1 3656443 Hey LMF, have you tried my favorite Ft. Myers restaurant yet, Sasse's? They recently expanded their hours to include a lunch service a few days a week, and also instituted a special multi-course prix fixe for early dinners. They have also eliminated their split charge, which I thought was a more than reasonable policy considering the generous size of most of their entrees. Great place, excellent food coming from their gorgeous woodburning oven, and hands-on proprietors who really care. Sun May 04 20:26:17 -0700 2008 3653360 10855 nosh 2 3656811 yes. many times, both recently and years ago. They are good but the location is horrendous and the ambiance sorely lacking. I've always been put off by the huge portions. Many other places I'd rather go to. LMF Mon May 05 03:31:32 -0700 2008 3656443 10438 LilMsFoodie 1 3660120 LMF, Thank you for the heads up to all, on Fort Myers. I don't get up to Sanibel as often as I'd like. Redfish Bluefish is mainly a name change, per friends in the area. Chef Melissa has been there a couple years, and has a solid following, She took it over (bought if from previous owner?), added her name, and is said to serve same/similar quality food as before. I've not eaten there yet, so am curious. Harold's closing is a real loss. He worked so hard, and the construction kept business away for over a year. He'll bring some dishes next door to H2. He's creative, great on marrying different spices and ingredients, and has been one of the top handful of chefs in SW Florida. He's a genuinely nice guy as well. I wish him the best in continuing H2's fine quality Thistle Lodge has been a favorite of mine for years. A new chef took over months ago, I haven't tried it since then. It is one of the most romantic settings around, perched on the Gulf. There's a new Chinese place in North Naples to check out-Harvest Moon Modern Chinese. It's in the corner by Naples Tomato, next to Sam-Bucco's. I enjoy Naples Tomato, be nice to have a trio of good places in the small plaza. Mon May 05 20:59:20 -0700 2008 3653360 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 2 3660461 I like Harold and his wife and his staff is close knit. At one time he was thinking about a new Harold's on Daniels. Probably not a good time. Thistle is one of my favorites. I wonder if they will keep the wine flights with dinners. Another closing noticed yesterday: Jalapeno's. It was a fave of the hispanic community and their fortunes have waned with the poor construction economy. I didn't like them as much as Cantina Laredo, but they definitely were superior to others like Iguana Mia. Anxious to hear about the Chinese place. Looks like it is not owned by Asians but an Italian. LOL. Perhaps in the PF Chang's mode? LMF Tue May 06 04:25:15 -0700 2008 3660120 10438 LilMsFoodie 3 3673187 I stopped by Harvest Moon Chinese, just long enough to try a few apps-a shooter of their tender plump PEI mussels with coconut, ginger, and an intoxicating chili bite to it, and know I'll be back for a real tasting. The BBQ pork was tasty tender, and had a good sauce. The spring rolls were crisply fried, and had fresh ingredients. There already are some regulars for dinner, and the outdoor bar is cool, shaded, and the staff is numerous and friendly. How smart is it to open a third Chinese restaurant 1.5 miles from delicious Charle Chiang's, or 2 miles from PF Changs? Pretty smart. Their advantage is their lower price point, different take on things, and their prices are the same for lunch and dinner. Also, it's a more casual place, and looks to fill a different niche, than CC or PFC's. I went to Fort Myers' Cru last night, and their food continues to lead the pack in taste and, well, beauty. This is what graces the pages of Art Culinaire magazine. I flipped over the Miso Glazed Diver Scallops, the Beef Satay, smiled when I tasted the difference between the red and gold beets in the Pan Seared Tuna...I could go on and on, if I wasn't such a slow typist. CIA and Daniel Boulud trained Exec Chef Brian Roland has a new menu for summer with generous portions, good prices, and the fact that the bar and restaurant can be nearly full on a weekday, off season, says it all. They are soon opening for lunch; a great way to sample things. The 4-7 happy hour has two- for -one "steals", and is no secret among the Bell Tower regulars! I loved the Asian Beef Satay for $8, and the Sun dried Cherry Chicken lettuce wraps for $9. Best deal is the Grand Cru app tower, with the lettuce wraps, steak sliders with shaved Manchego cheese, and tapas platter for $28. Since I live in Naples, I "save up" for a drive North, and have my eye on H2 and Casa Napoli next.. Maybe some of SW Fla chowhounds can do a "food tasting", meet over a table at a lucky restaurant, and trade stories! Val may be the catalyst! Fri May 09 15:51:07 -0700 2008 3660461 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 4 3674126 Nice report! We are going to Cru tomorrow for Mothers Day Brunch and I am really looking foward to it. Sat May 10 04:46:32 -0700 2008 3673187 15229 Suzie 4 3820671 My visit to Cru was completely disappointing..big bar crowd, not much in the way of dining. Loved Harold's when I went to Ft. Myers Rep and will be very sorry to see that go....Just came back from Cafe Napoli which I had been dying to try but thought would be futile in season with so few tables....Had been told it was the best in Ft. Myers...well, not off season...veal marsala came nuked in thick flour marsala sauce with burnt, yes burnt black sprig of rosemary for garni! Horrible potatoes underneath. Flan came with burned crust! and first glass of house chianti was turned. Other than that, the service was cheerful and prompt...the surroundings adorable and friendly. Wait til season to try this one and hopefully you can get in. Friday night in June, forget it. Fri Jun 27 17:42:11 -0700 2008 3673187 204585 margaritak 1 3685326 Add Dwyers to the list of closed restaurants. The steak concept flopped namely because a high end steak house has never made it in town. Ft Myers is more an Outback sort of town. Wed May 14 04:55:03 -0700 2008 3653360 10438 LilMsFoodie 2 3685332 Thanks God. I am all for a high end steak house but Dwyres was an outrageously expensive disaster. Tried it once and once was enough. Wed May 14 04:59:15 -0700 2008 3685326 15229 Suzie 3 3685359 I was very unimpressed. The Dwyer family has the largest home in Fort Myers and is very wealthy. The restaurant was a lark for Jim and his enormous brood of kids. It never was much. How was your brunch at Cru? LMF Wed May 14 05:17:12 -0700 2008 3685332 10438 LilMsFoodie 4 3685420 There were 5 of us and overall very good. A couple of us had benedicts and the yolks were over cooked and Cru was a little stingy with the crab on them. The truffle fries were really good! The bottomless mimosas for 10 bucks was a nice touch. Wed May 14 05:55:50 -0700 2008 3685359 15229 Suzie 1 3740795 Sky Bar in Fort Myers closed over the weekend and I understand Char has closed or is about to close. Mon Jun 02 05:11:19 -0700 2008 3653360 15229 Suzie 2 3791062 The Sky Bar was very sleazy and people would go up there for a drink with that great view and leave very quickly. Little flimsy paper cups of crappy wine do not make for a good place. Everything is on hold downtown until the streetscape is finished and even then, I am not encouraged. I don't think Char is any great loss. I expect to see many more closings this off season. Restaurants that have supposedly closed for the summer may not reopen. I recently went to Cru for a third time in 2 mos. (I live close by in Whiskey Creek) and still don't see what is so great. We did the tiered appetizer with a bottle of wine. If I did not know that the kitchen "cares", I'd have said that some of the items came from Costco's freezer section. Nasty little won tons with an insipidly sweet sauce, Ahi tuna that was so rubbery, I had to smell it first. No smell, but also no taste. What was it. Little end bits of cheese and some stale toasted bread. Dinner there was just o.k. and really not ok for the cost. Lunch was a joke. Fort Myers is a wasteland for now. No more realtors, developers, and builders throwing money around. On a happier note: Anyone been to Angelina's? Wed Jun 18 10:33:06 -0700 2008 3740795 10438 LilMsFoodie 3 3795396 http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080606/COLUMNISTS37/806060322/1061/ENT07 The News Press favorably reviewed Angelina's a few weeks ago. If the link doesn't work, from the main page click on entertainment>dining>drop down box under last review. Click on "Angelina's is not just another..." I'm looking forward to trying it too when we're there next month. Thu Jun 19 14:20:13 -0700 2008 3791062 93891 rikerspharm 1 3791396 I dined at Angelina's the night before leaving for the season and thought it was great. It's not your standard Italian American menu-more like a Campiello. I don't remember the dishes we ordered but it was quite inventive and enjoyable. Even better, during the summer every wine under $100 is 1/2 price. Please support this restaurant. This is a valuable addition to the dining scene. I'm sorry I didnt have the chance to write it up but it would've received a sterling review. Wed Jun 18 11:43:19 -0700 2008 3653360 16023 RevrendAndy 2 3791602 I'm heading down next week, could you tell me where in Bonita it's located...I assume on 41 somewhere. Wed Jun 18 12:35:31 -0700 2008 3791396 138943 grouper 3 3793434 It's on the east side of 41 north of Bonita Beach Road. It's the old Sanibel Steakhouse building across 41 from the Ship. The food is excellent. Thu Jun 19 03:53:06 -0700 2008 3791602 202083 naplesscrape 4 3794565 Thanks! I thought I had noticed something new there, but didn't pay much attention. I'll check it out. Thu Jun 19 10:25:56 -0700 2008 3793434 138943 grouper 1 3801212 Margarita Grille at Alico and 41 has become Sandy Parrot. OK place, service was a problem, maybe they're just workig out the kinks. Sat Jun 21 18:38:49 -0700 2008 3653360 195185 Maurice Rahn 1 3808995 Angelina's: Went there in early May and cannot wait to get back to Naples to go again! I live in NYC, and am rather obsessed with good italian food, and Angelina's in Bonita definitely fits the bill. We over ordered, but it was worth it - pastas are a must! My favorites are the Papparedelle Caprese and the Fusilli de la Nonna - the Pappardelle has delicious buffala mozz and the tomatos are superb. Can absolutely taste the high quality of the ingredients. Although everything was great, my favorite appetizers were the Mussles, which were prepared in a slightly spicy tomato puttanesca sauce - very unique flavors; and the Antipasti were delicious as well - the marinated vegetables were on point! Cant wait to get back - Angelina's is a must if you are in the area! Cru: went there in March/April for their anniversary celebration, so there was a tasting menu provided rather than the normal menu. My experience was pretty poor. Extremely overpriced given the quality of the food. We ordered for appetizers the mussels, tuna tartare, goat cheese salad and the caprese salad. Mussels were overcooked and shriveled, goat cheese salad was flavorless as was the caprese salad - which was prepared with tiny pieces of mozzarella that were fairly tasteless. Tuna tartare was good, and I had a fish entree that proved to be very delicious as well, but it didnt make up for the very disappointing appetizers. Will not be back. Tue Jun 24 10:18:40 -0700 2008 3653360 203550 KC1 2 3816379 I totally agree with you on Cru. Lots of gourmands (as opposed to gourmets or foodies) think it is "hip". They seem to have none of their old wait staff who at least were competent. Your experience was the same as mine. They may not make it. Too many restaurants to compete with them. Thu Jun 26 12:27:50 -0700 2008 3808995 10438 LilMsFoodie 2 3860782 Had dinner at Angelina's last night. Great dinner. Wonderful, very competent service. Would definitely go back.They were having a wine promotion - half price for any bottle under a hundred dollars. Great bargains to be had. I had smoked rabbitt app which was great, albeit small. Grilled tuna entree was fab not for the tuna but for the sides - potato with speck and a pureed minted pea sauce. WIfe had buffalo mozz and pasta entree. Very good. Spectacular dessert - zeppoli, made to order. Enough for four but even my wife ate them, she who never eats dessert!! (Hope she doesn't read this!!!) Definitely a must try restaurant down here. Fri Jul 11 14:39:00 -0700 2008 3808995 93891 rikerspharm 1 3813428 This may be old news to you Ft. Myers residents, but it was new to me. The Blue Pepper closed. It had some of the best soups in Ft. Myers and imaginative sandwiches, many of a "gourmet" variety. There are still some some food items on the shelves of the deli part of the restaurant, so I assume the closing was fairly recent. Does anyone know what happened? Wed Jun 25 14:40:34 -0700 2008 3653360 22427 gfr1111 2 3816355 Chef Martin left years ago and it was on life support for about 3 years, undercapitalized and never could really make the commitment to be just a restaurant. I bought my meat and fish there for a few years when it opened but stopped going. They have been closed for months now. Probably February or so. The people who bought the restaurant got stuck with the gourmet food stuff. Some of that stuff was 7 years old. The retail store started its slow death when Fresh Market came to town. LMF Thu Jun 26 12:23:40 -0700 2008 3813428 10438 LilMsFoodie 3 3825617 Eurasia is the newest Vietnamese Restaurant in Naples - Fort Myers area. It is on Tamiami Trail East, Turn north on St Andrews, then a quick left into the small strip mall, and it's on the right. The portions are larger than at Miss Saigon Gourmet, and the food is delicious. Can't go wrong with a tasty bowl of beef Pho, that can feed 3 people! I enjoy both Miss Saigon and Eurasia, the difference is Eurasia is more of a "restaurant", seating over 200, and it has a different menu, I loved the crepe, and tried other dishes, all properly cooked. Also, there's a bar with a friendly bartender, Tom. Why is it called Eurasia? Well there's a Vietnamese chef, Ettore Mancini, and also an Italian chef, Tom Tran, and both chefs/menus offer great food, with thankfully no "fusion" between the cuisines. Fresh herbs are from their garden. There's more to the Eurasia name, you will learn when you visit and chat with Monique Tran! I put a write up on my blog with some photos, June 9, to not repeat myself. Worth the visit! Eurasia-- St. Andrews Square, 8793 Tamiami Trail East, #120 (Just East of St. Andrew’s traffic light, on the north side of the East Trail), 239-352-0888 Mon Jun 30 05:03:19 -0700 2008 3816355 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 1 3834687 Has anyone tried Crave? It's in the Bridge Plaza on the corner of McGregor and College Parkway. I've had lunch there a few times and it has always been very good. I've also heard good things about Cafe Cibo in the same plaza, but I haven't tried it yet. Has anyone eaten here? And the third restaurant I've heard good things about is Yabo....anyone know about this place? Wed Jul 02 17:42:12 -0700 2008 3653360 206154 traffey 2 3835553 I've eaten at Crave and at Yabo, but not Cibo. I think Crave is great for lunch, it is a little spartan for my taste for dinner: minimal wine, stark decor. They have a great number of "comfort food" dishes. I had meatloaf sandwich one time and it was enormous, really too big but it was delicious in an old diner sort of way. Yabo was fun. We sat at the bar facing the kitchen and watched them cook. I thought I had written up my dinner there, but can't find it. It was good but not earthshatteringly so. It has an offbeat location that should appeal to Chowhounds. LMF Thu Jul 03 04:59:33 -0700 2008 3834687 10438 LilMsFoodie 2 3894069 I really like Cafe Cibo, although I think the previous location (in the same plaza) had more atmosphere. The Cibo owners have kept the previous location and reopened something else there. I'm wondering if that is what you are referring to. I am surprised to see the post about Casa Napoli- my experience there was really very good. We did visit a very good italian restaurant a few weeks ago in Fort Myers. It is a very casual place, in an odd location, with very good food. It was called Buon Appetito Cafe. It is off of College. We went to Delicious Things the other night- it was our first visit since the new ownership took over. The food was excellent. It was expensive. There were only 2 tables- total of 6 people in there all night. They said the construction downtown has been killing them. It is very sad. Still looking for really good pizza in Fort Myers. Wed Jul 23 08:19:41 -0700 2008 3834687 212408 twosit 1 3839809 I have enjoyed The Veranda since I moved here. It's a traditional fine dining restaurant, what's your issue? Fri Jul 04 16:22:10 -0700 2008 3653360 206780 downtown3536 2 3885029 to whom was you comment about The Veranda made. No discussion of that restaurant here. It has an interesting location and the food is ok for what it is. The bar used to be lively and a fun place to go after dinner at Harold's. I used to eat lunch there frequently but have not been for six months or so. I avoid downtown now. LMF Sun Jul 20 08:32:02 -0700 2008 3839809 10438 LilMsFoodie 3 3885044 Patio 33 has closed in downtown Fort Myers. Made a brave stand during trying times. It was marginal always but had a good following for lunch as there are so few places. First Street Village Charbucks will close. Not a restaurant, but an indication of difficulties there. LMF Sun Jul 20 08:37:59 -0700 2008 3885029 10438 LilMsFoodie 1 3883355 Java Moon has closed. You probably never saw it and didn't know it was there on Daniels. It was just ok. Bad location, bad timing, etc. 6 Charbucks are closing in SW Florida. Fine with me. LMF Sat Jul 19 10:08:37 -0700 2008 3653360 10438 LilMsFoodie 2 3886973 I am with you on Charbucks (love the name, lol)! Thats too bad about Java Moon. I did have some decent meals there. It was a nice place to go for a quick lunch. Mon Jul 21 04:31:48 -0700 2008 3883355 15229 Suzie 1 3892567 Left Coasters, help me out. I'm going to be coming to Naples over the weekend, looking to find what's great and NEW (opened in past year). Probably only have an opportunity for one dinner, from this and other threads my short list thus far has -> Angelina's Bacchus Eurasia Strip House Trilogy Bacchus may be too far a drive, and I'm inherently wary of "fusion" (especially Viet/Italian?) Thoughts on these and any others that ought to be on my list? Tue Jul 22 16:56:20 -0700 2008 3653360 35525 Frodnesor 2 3892931 We ate at Bacchus yesterday and while it was good, it is nothing I would go out of my way for. I think they are still sorta tweaking it. The whole " Krafty Cruisine and Swanky Wine" concept sounds a bit odd to me and it didn't seem to fit what they are right now. The mac and cheese was really good but the Asian Noodle dish was really disappointing. Food prices were o.k. but the wine pours were small and over priced for midiocre wines. Tue Jul 22 19:18:26 -0700 2008 3892567 15229 Suzie 2 3894291 If you feel like contemporary Italian, by all means try Angelina. Strip House has great steak, at a high price. However, they have a very good caesar salad and to die for goose fat potatoes. Wed Jul 23 09:23:50 -0700 2008 3892567 16023 RevrendAndy 3 3898910 Absinthe? IM Tapas? Anyone? Haven't seen mentioned here. Thu Jul 24 16:21:51 -0700 2008 3894291 35525 Frodnesor 4 3902100 Going to Trilogy tonight....anyone have something to say about this place (Service and food). The website doesn't open for me and I was curious to some feed back. Fri Jul 25 15:08:44 -0700 2008 3898910 158650 DAGriff 4 4017258 Absinthe is pretty on decor, but sadly hit or miss on food quality, and has had many months to iron out the wrinkles. It's mainly for visiting after 10 pm as a nightclub. Most locals have tried it and found its culinary highs and lows to be unsettling-not consistent, I was there this weekend, with fish overcooked, and lamb just right. The large tv on one wall, and the huge projection screen on the back wall are always showing old movies, often pretty bloody, so it's a trendy thing, I guess. We find it very, very distracting to see people getting shot and stabbed while having dinner. I gave Absinthe a kind write up, compared to what other friends with I wrote, at: http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/2008/09/absinthe-restaurant-naples-review.html IM Tapas is a delight, great small bistro like ambiance, great tapas, and is the current "fair haired child" to visit in Naples/Ft. Myers. http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/2008/08/im-tapas-spanish-treasure-in-naples.html I thorougly enjoyed Angelina's in Bonita Springs, just haven't written it up yet. Strip house has expensive steaks, not great service, and a captive audience at the hotel. Locals don't go there much. A new Naples steak chain opened- The Keg, with very good prices, 2/3 of the Strip house and Ruth's Chris's prices, I've not yet eaten there. The steaks are aged, come with a potato or veggie, and price point is in $20's, vs $30's to 40's+ at Strip House. You pay $$ for a potato or veggies at Ruths, Shula's and the Strip. I get better much value at Flemings. With over 100 stores, the Kegs have buying power-will try in a few weeks when the crowds die down. Naples has a Whole Foods-we've arrived, I guess! Mon Sep 08 09:00:21 -0700 2008 3898910 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 5 4025895 On my comment about Naples' Absinthe, above, change my "TV and projection screen...are always showing old movies.." line to "was showing old movies while we were there", They may hopefully change the movies, or even stop showing them, while people are dining. I'm hopeful, too, that their fish will be cooked more in keeping with customer's preferences, and not just " cooked till it flakes easily", without first asking the customer "How would you like your fish cooked?". Visit Absinthe, visit other places such as Truluck's, USS Nemo, IM Tapas, etc. and see how your experiences at them compares. What are your preferences of the lot? That's the beauty of reporting on your dining experience, and letting readers compare their unique experiences, on Chowhound. As chefs can have "off nights", this reporting should even out highs and lows. Bonus. If chefs read the comments, they can learn, improve quality by fixing problems, and everyone benefits. If they don't change, readers can read a few writeups, form their own opinions, and dine accordingly. Naples' first Whole Foods is open, on 41, in the Mercato, just North of Vanderbilt. Yay, bragging rights! I wonder how this weill affect shopping habits, with some people buying fish at Swan River and Capt Jerry's, meat at Jimmy P's, and organics at Food and Thought. Capital Grille is opening Sept 22 week in Naples, catty corner to Fleming's Steakhouse, at the tip of the Mercato condo and shopping complex. It's close to the Keg, and not far from Ruth's Chris or Shula's. I think, from other chain's successes elsewhere, there's room for all to do well, When is the steakhouse market saturated? We'll see! "Little" Naples is growing, with a lot of steakhouses, other chain restaurants, and a few independent places opening, and staying, with very good quality. I only wish more good quality local "mom and pop" places could open to give their unique flavors, however "location, location, location" often means having deep pockets of a chain to place one in a Mercato or a larger shopping center to capture the walk by traffic. Local restaurants, (such as the late Margaux's ) in tiny strip malls or in "stand alone" locations, have told me that they've lost over 20% of their business when loyal patrons who visited once a month now only visit every few months, as the customers are checking out the chains at the big shopping centers, and seeing a movie just a few stores from their dinner. IM Tapas proves a feisty local can excell, and buck the trend. Thu Sep 11 05:26:19 -0700 2008 4017258 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 5 4032396 There's a restaurant that we love that I never see mentioned on this board called the Perfect Caper in Punta Gorda. For those of us in Estero, it's a rather easy 45 min drive up 75 and well worth it. It can be a bargain if you want it to be, especially at the bar. But, the regular menu is eclectic and great. Husband and wife run the place - she's the chef, he's the front-of-the-house. Good wine list with the standard promotions, at least for now. Well worth the trip if you are already in the Ft Myers area. Sat Sep 13 13:17:13 -0700 2008 4017258 93891 rikerspharm 6 4089499 On Restaurant Openings and Closings In Naples Nektar closed, reopening as Gina's 7th Ave, serving Italian food. Capital Grille opened practically across from Fleming's. I had top service at both places. Driving by on a Saturday night, off season, showed both places parking lots full. There's room for both. M Waterfront Grille will open Oct 14 in Venetian Village at site of Maxwell's. Chef Brian Roland, formerly at Cru, will knock people's socks off with great food at good prices. In Fort Myers Bacchus' Shannon Yates is a master of creating dishes on the fly that are beautiful and taste great. Sit at the Chef's Table's 12 seats, especially on a Sunday night, and get silent videos on the wall and amazing food. Dwyers closed and will reopen as Ichabod’s Wicked Good Food and Drink in November. Tue Oct 07 19:13:20 -0700 2008 4032396 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 1 4072866 Can anyone recommend a great Chinese restaurant in Fort Myers? My daughters grew up loving Tung Hing on Fowler, but usually we get take out from there. It is a bit depressing to actually eat in there - pretty dingy and always empty except for all the take-out pick-ups. I would love to go out for some great Chinese and actually sit and enjoy it - any ideas? Tue Sep 30 14:57:21 -0700 2008 3653360 96172 Mothership 2 4123690 *A Table Apart* A new star is born on Bonita Beach Road, West of Wyld's, also on the South side of the street, with the wonderfully Eastern, Asian influences of Executive Chef Jeff Acol's global cuisine at a "Table Apart" I like it because it has an upscale, warm setting with down to earth pricing. Hawaiian trained with the masters like Alan Wong, he's clearly mastered the nuances of Asian And French cuisine with his subtle use of spicing and fresh produce, and even adds some straight Italian for good measure. Check out my blog review at: http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/2008/10/table-apart-naples-restaurant-review.html His "Rustic global cuisine" is deliciously that, with a touch of haute cuisine, in an upscale atmosphere with superb service, priced right. A couple had their anniversary or birthday dinner, and couldn't have been happier with the romatic setting, with warm lighting and soft, light background jazz. Same pleasure goes for my friends, who have already booked a second dinner! Thu Oct 23 08:17:20 -0700 2008 4072866 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 3 4129097 that place looks awesome. thank you! Sat Oct 25 19:10:52 -0700 2008 4123690 105717 alkapal 1 4231603 Say good bye to Cru, at Bell Tower. The poor economy and quite frankly, better restaurants put this one under. I also feel Coconut Point has taken what retail life is left in Lee County. Although I had lunch at The Grape two weeks ago on a Saturday at 12, and they were not busy at all. Even Coconut Point will have a tipping point and I think they have opened too many restaurants for now. I never was fond of CRU, thinking it was cheesily "hip". If you look above at my post on June 18, you'll see where I thought they were cutting corners on ingredients. I thought they might have had some food service pap instead of chef made appetizers last spring. I imagine I was right. Who will be next? If Mille Sapore isn't gone already it is probably on tap to close. I get massages next door and never see anyone there, but there was no sign saying they were closed. LMF Tue Dec 09 02:46:29 -0800 2008 3653360 10438 LilMsFoodie 2 4256021 Also, Tropical Reef in North Naples recently closed. Too bad, it was a very nice little place and we'd never been disappointed there. Thu Dec 18 04:17:12 -0800 2008 4231603 11983 Val 2 4278996 I'm not crazy about Absinthe. The locals dont go there, and the advertising brings in a lot of tourists. "Fooderer" just started posting, with 4 posts this month, and each of his comment pumps up Absinthe. Hmmmmm. Sun Dec 28 22:09:10 -0800 2008 4231603 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 3 4280319 I thought the same thing reading the Absinthe rec. Business is definitely off everywhere. Saturday afternoon at Campiello at 12:30 pm we walked right in, got a patio seat. We went for a drink at Tommy Bahama's and it was not crowded. This week is usually very crowded in Naples with lots of families still visiting grandparents, etc. LMF Mon Dec 29 11:41:42 -0800 2008 4278996 10438 LilMsFoodie 2 4278998 I found a great spot! David Wong's Pan Asian & Sushi is on 41 i BonitaSprings, where Cilantro Tamale's was, and it's very good Asian food. I'll write it up in the next couple of weeks. Check it out! Sun Dec 28 22:10:48 -0800 2008 4231603 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 3 4287537 Insatiable, it's funny you mentioned David Wong's, as I just ate there a few days ago, enjoyed it, and was going to give him a plug. I anxiously await your review. Happy New Year to all hounds out there! I think the world is happy 2008 is over. Thu Jan 01 09:19:40 -0800 2009 4278998 16023 RevrendAndy 4 4288391 Received what we regard to be a "telling" email yesterday, which was New Years Eve. Here it is: Happy New Year: Celebrate Tonight with Steak and Stuffed Lobster $39.95!‏ From: Ruth's Chris Steak House (invitations@ruthschrismail.com) Sent: Wed 12/31/08 7:10 PM If the Ruth's Chris in Coconut Point is soliciting discounted New Years Eve business @ 7:10 pm on New Years Eve, to me that tells an unhealthy business message about the location. For what it's worth, we had an awful experience there, and it's easily the absolute worst Ruth's Chris that we've ever been to by far, so perhaps our dining disaster was a widely shared one. Happy New Year to all the SWFL foodies! Thu Jan 01 16:27:20 -0800 2009 4287537 131356 Lee34102 5 4289978 My thoughts last January. Same as yours. More RC experiences: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/465782 including mine: We had a perfectly wretched meal at the Ruth's Chris in Bonita Springs, FL. I should have known something was up when I made a same day reservation in "season". Last year there was a two-three week wait. I ordered a prosecco apertif and my boyfriend ordered a beer. The prosecco barely filled half the glass, this was no great burgundy requiring room to breathe <G> It was also flat. The server brought a second one that was only slightly chilled, underfilled and still flat. We ordered a t bone and a filet. Neither was cooked to our specifications and the t-bone could barely be sawed with the knife. Barebones presentation. Definitely not aged beef. Someone is cutting corners. Baked potato for him with a flaccid skin, almost as if it were microwaved. I ordered the special peas of the day. "Petit Pois" were barely thawed and had a variation of cheez whiz on them. Bread was undoubtedly pepperidge farm. We had a bottle of Parducci Pinot Noir which is bottled for them. Nice wine but it was way too warm. No cellar temperature here, more like Florida trunk temperature. Had to be 75 degrees. We decided not to complain but I wrote the company via their website and had a reply wanting to call me to apologize. No thanks. I would not want to return. After I mentioned this on Fodors, it appears that my experience is similar to others. LilMsFoodie. The RC in Bonita Springs is on life-support right now. Way too many steak houses, including one's own home with much better wine to waste money at this kind of place. Permalink | Report | Reply LilMsFoodie Nov 09, 2008 06:58AM Fri Jan 02 10:37:44 -0800 2009 4288391 10438 LilMsFoodie 6 4329258 Smokey Bones has closed. Thu Jan 15 11:20:27 -0800 2009 4289978 15229 Suzie 7 4329821 Darden ditched the concept a couple of years ago. Someone kept it open but it no longer had access to Darden capital and distribution. I think that the closings will start to snowball this season. LMF Thu Jan 15 13:41:48 -0800 2009 4329258 10438 LilMsFoodie 8 4329949 Yep, I heard about the same thing - just over a year ago the company That owns Sweet Tomatos, Boston Market and Chevys bought it. Thu Jan 15 14:14:17 -0800 2009 4329821 15229 Suzie 9 4344909 Bell Tower News... A Crippled Cru rises from the Dead & Mad Takeout Mad Takeout, Chefs Shannon Yates and Ruth Cohen's co-creation, recently opened north of the Bell Tower shops-north of, and across the street from Cantina Laredo, and about 50 feet west of French Roast, in the same little strip center. I stopped by briefly-cheerful staff, clean large enough setting, and good selection of takeout foods, with wine and soft drinks. A few people were taking out some goodies. Shannon, former Executive chef at recently shuttered Cru, is successful with Bacchus, and should continue to do well with Mad Takeout. Speaking of Cru-it withered after Chef Shannon was forced out, and died soon after Chef Brian Roland left to open M Waterfront in Naples. Cru is suddenly reopening after John and Liz Kagan, the owners, abruptly closed Cru before Christmas, complaining that they were losing money for years, and it was mainly due to "the economy". The shocked employees perception of getting fired en masse may be more like "Merry Christmas underlings, er, employees, from the Scrooges. Now enjoy your pink slips and foreclosures, and go find new jobs!" The newest Cru chapter from the Kagans is that they are reopening it , allegedly due to some perceived public demand. "We had so many calls from people sorry to see us go,” Liz Kagan said to Drew Sterwald. “We were really touched by the outpouring from the community.” Aw Shucks, Liz. Such a caring, altruistic public servant. Leona Helmsley would be touched by your motives. Ahem. I'll sell you some Cape Coral real estate if you buy that one. Their tax attorney, not the "community's discharges must have told them other things. The Kagans are reopening Cru next week, however with lower quality food sources and cheaper prices. For the bewildered employees' sake, I hope it works. If that doesn't fly, Cru may next become "The Bell Tower Community Soup Kitchen", offering organic lawn clippings, to let the owners continue to serve their adoring community. Wed Jan 21 11:48:32 -0800 2009 4329949 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 10 4345112 I put a little report yesterday on the RIP Cru. I was never a fan, except for a few months years ago. There are too many restaurants at Bell Tower now, some will have to go the way of D'Amicos and a list of others. Most are sparsely populated. Not too many ladies who lunch. Bistro 41 and Shannon's new place seem to be doing ok. I have heard no clamoring for Cru, although I think Blue Pointe may be closed before Cru goes. LMF from yesterday: cru is reopening. that didn't last long, but their new slant will be small plates and lower cost. I think it is foolish to do it so soon, but they are probably on the hook for an outrageous rent. the owner is the leading orthopedic surgeon in Lee co. so I guess he can afford to do this. there is little traffic at bell tower right now and I'd be surprised to see this work out. LMF LilMsFoodie Jan 20, 2009 01:24PM Wed Jan 21 12:43:18 -0800 2009 4344909 10438 LilMsFoodie 11 4346883 LMF, Thank you. Sorry to hear Blue Pointe may be on its last legs-I never heard it was more than just ok, so never tried it. I've had lunch recently at French Roast, tried their "Vietnamese" grouper and shrimp, and it was too intensely spiced and red pepper hot for any Vietnamese I've tried!. I asked to find out what some of the ingredients were in the "Vietnamese" marinade besids the obvious hot red pepper, and the chef said it was his secret. Service was slow, few people were there, and they were thus overstaffed. Go figure. Last time I eat there. Cru had very high prices, snob appeal and a higher end reputation years ago, and lost their top chefs, who are currently running very good operations. It'll be a PR challenge to attract people to its new diminished food quality and small plates. Bonefish Grill type quality value and others will be a better bet-their parking lot is always full. Wish Harold Balink could replace Cru or Blue Pointe with his quality and price point-then the City of Fort Myers will tear up Bell Tower's parking lots for 2 years, to fix what ain't broke, and kill another neighborhood! Dwyers became Icabod's, and they serve a zillion things. Newspaper didn't give them a great review. Not on my list to try. Parking lot is said to have few cars, that also may be short lived. All in all, it's a loss for Lee County, which has perhaps a dozen spots I'd drive north to try. Thu Jan 22 05:40:01 -0800 2009 4345112 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 12 4347656 I know Harold but haven't heard of any plans to do anything other than H2. It should be ok as there is NOTHING else in that area but dreck, unless you count Veranda but they have radically different clientele. Harold was going to do something on Daniels last year but then the crunch really hit. French Roast has always left me scratching my head, it is like a nursing home tearoom to me. Very little really French or Vietnamese. I liked Blue Pointe when they first opened but they have been steadily going down now for the last 4 or 5 years. I did like their Oyster happy hour at the bar. Ichabods better slice that menu in half or even quarter it. Too many things, none done really well. A scenic outdoor view of US 41? I don't think so. The Dwyer family spent a fortune on the original building, lots of authentic Irish stuff but it never caught on except as a drinking club for the under 30's. The high end steakhouse was perfectly timed for failure. LMF Thu Jan 22 09:52:42 -0800 2009 4346883 10438 LilMsFoodie 13 4368425 Cru is back--moribund on life support. Cru has reopened, with a sorry excuse for a menu-it's the same for lunch and dinner. With 5 tapas, 6 entrees, and one dessert, it's a shadow of its former quality adn selection. Chef Richie Wilim can create so much more. Prevailing wisdon is that the wealthy owners suddenly closed it in December, breaking the lease and reneged on their rent, and the landlord came after the owner's deep pockets, causing them to re-think, and reopen Cru, to avoid having an empty property.. There were no customers when I stopped by, yet Bistro 41 was ~1/2 full, at the same lunch time. It's a great location, and this dumbed down menu has to change, or it goes belly up in a few months. Mad Take-Out has opened, and is busy! Shannon Yates and Ruth Cohen have created a catering sized kitchen with over 80 items to choose from. There's pasta, sushi, soups, wonderful salads, kid food, even wine and beer. It's easy to order-by landline, cell phone, email, fax, you name it! The food is fresh, healthy, and very tasty. If Cru folds again, perhaps Shannon will take it over, and have it bustling and successful. There are things that an orthopaedic surgeon just doesn't know about running a restaurant. Thu Jan 29 05:15:10 -0800 2009 4347656 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 14 4369291 Bistro 41 is always consistent and fairly busy. They have stayed true to their clientele by offering relatively non-trendy food at fair prices. I prefer it to the new Bacchus. I am weary of the star chef stuff, composed plates with stupid stacks of stuff, foam this, coulis of that, I see balsamic reduction on almost everything and want to scream. All that razzle dazzle on the plate can cover up a lack of real understanding of cooking but that is what is taught in the over abundance of culinary academies. I took the Cordon Bleu class in Paris over 30 years ago and another in Italy. I know in my mind what a dish will taste like as I build the ingredients. Some of these combos are just a bunch of trendy ingredients to list on a menu and do not blend or enhance a dish. I am more into the ideas of the Slow Food movement than the Food Network Food as Porn movement. LOL. LMF Thu Jan 29 09:45:30 -0800 2009 4368425 10438 LilMsFoodie 15 4370119 LilMsFoodie, We are available anytime you would like to build some dishes for us. We'll pair it with great wine! Thu Jan 29 12:53:26 -0800 2009 4369291 16023 RevrendAndy 1 4378905 Just a little mini-rant...Last night (Saturday) my daughter called and asked us if we wanted to go to Bonefish Grill with her and her boyfriend. No thanks we said and we headed down to H2. She called back in a while and said they decided not to go because there was an hour and 45 minute wait. We get downtown and there is just almost no one down there. Like a ghost town. Harold had several tables filled but was far, far from the bustling crowds of yore. Plenty of room - no wait - on a Saturday night during tourist season. We had some lovely carpaccio, duck wings, lollipop lamb chops, warm mushroom salad and great halibut. Excellent food and comparable in price to what we would spend at Bonefish Grill (which I actually enjoy going to on occasion). But really - an hour and 45 minutes? My issue is that I just don't get the crowds at the chains when our local spots really need our support. I am just so peeved by the situation. I feel better venting a wee bit. Sun Feb 01 19:30:57 -0800 2009 3653360 96172 Mothership 1 4378969 Just got back from my annual visit to Ft. Myers. Best dinner this trip was at Wyld's Cafe, on Bonita Beach in Bonita Springs -- on the south side of the street, west of 75 and 41, with parking and main entrance in behind. Excellent meal. I loved my starter, which was a shredded duck napoleon served over squares of puff pastry with mushrooms and a creamy parmesan sauce ($11, if I remember correctly). Fantastic dish, which I shared with others at our table. I also really enjoyed my special, a high-end meatloaf ground from filet, which was a huge portion (low $20s) and provided a big lunch later in the week. Also tasted my mom's pike, which was delicate and delicious, and my cousin's shortrib, which was tender and good in a sauce that had a sweet edge -- cranberry or something in the braise. Another fine dinner at Bonefish Grill. Yes, it is a chain, very busy, and a wait if you can't make a reservation, but gee I wish we had them where I live. I loved my cup of corn chowder with crab -- rich, hot, luscious, lick-the-spoon good. My salmon was grilled exactly as I requested -- on the hottest part of the fire so it got a nice crusty char but stayed medium-rare and very moist in the center. Enjoyed my taste of my mom's spicy shrimp. Excellent, friendly, very enthusiastic service. The people running this operation are doing something very right. Sun Feb 01 20:07:27 -0800 2009 3653360 10855 nosh 2 4382491 Mothership, If I lived in Ft. Myers, I'd be a regular at H2-great food, pricing and live entertainment. Harold is "the man". Nosh, Time to try A Table Apart on your next visit, just a block or so west of Wylds-you'll love it's charm, and the food is a consistent delight, with Hawaiian and French accents. My notes below: http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/2008/10/table-apart-naples-restaurant-review.html MiraMare opened last week on Naples Venetian Bay, at Marie-Michelle's former location, and the food and service merits a visit. The broad Bay view is expansive by day, and romantic by night. I've tried a few things at:: http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/2009/01/miramare-or-mira-mare-great-italian.html and I'll be back. Wish I could reserve a table next to the water for Valentine's Day! I went to Bayfront Bistro, and had a good meal. The lump crabcakes had no lumps and a good amount of filler-my server said it was "lump". (Go to Swan River in Naples to see what a real "lump crabcake" is.) My pork tenderloin was worth the trip, and the SweetFire shrimp have good heat. Very good tuna appetizer, and fresh mussels, tho on the small side. It's their second week, so I expect only improvement and much success. The GM and the owner stop by every table, so nearly anything can be mended. The view over the bay is beautiful- get there before sunset. This is a much needed addition to Fort Myers Beach. I'l have a report to follow on my blog, I'll be busy this week with Winter Wine Festival events. Mon Feb 02 21:29:36 -0800 2009 4378969 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 3 4428023 We had lunch at "A Table Apart" last Monday (opens for lunch at 11:30). We had the Thai calamari, Ahi salad Niçoise, and a Hawaiian pork pressed sandwich and tomato soup. It was quite good and very reasonably priced. The calamari was exceptionally tender and light, with a nice Thai dipping sauce. The pressed pork was very juicy and flavorful, and the salad was a classic Niçoise, but topped with excellent seared salmon. To our surprise, house wine, beer, and the calamari were all half-price for lunch (as were the chicken wings, which we did not try). A very welcome addition. We'd like to go back for dinner some time. Wed Feb 18 07:15:38 -0800 2009 4382491 66639 TomOHaver 4 4861144 A Table Apart has excellent food-I get emails from my blog from happy campers, over the past 8 months. Wylds Restaurant has closed, following sister restaurant Crust's earlier closing. Sad to see that happen. A Table Apart has consistently very good food and service, that is a couple notches above Wylds. A Table is half a block west of Wylds on Bonita Beach Road. A Table Apart's Global Cusine has won over a lot of Wyld's former customers. Wylds indicated they will reopen when the season starts. Nice people there, I hope then can make a better go of it, second time around. Bonita's restaurants are drying up, with fewer diners there-I think people eat more at home, and also more at Coconut Point when they go out. A double whammy for the independents, like A Table Apart, Wylds, and David Wong's. I lke Bonita Springs David Wong's Pan Asian and Sushi very much. Very good Asian cuisines and service. Owner is on site and he is friendly. The food is authentic Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Cambodian, Japanese, etc. It's the real thing, not a PF Chang mixture! I had the Cambodian Scallops Amok, and it's great, with lots of scallops in a banan leaf bowl. Sushi is fresh, abundant, and beautifully presented. Ive been back there several times, and it's always enjoyable. Review and pics at: http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/2009/06/david-wongs-pan-asian-bonita-springs.html Wed Jul 15 11:02:09 -0700 2009 4428023 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 5 5023012 Tastings in the Gulf Coast Town Center is closing. Their last night will be tomorrow (Sept 12th). They are offering all kinds of deep discounts and even their cost on things if you pay cash. Fri Sep 11 13:58:45 -0700 2009 4861144 15229 Suzie 6 5036088 Harold has left h-2. Disagreements on direction with new owners. I never much cared for it but it was definitely the class of the neighborhood. I was downtown in the "River District" today at lunch hour and forgot that they had closed. Had a most mediocre lunch at Matisse. Much better quality lunch available at Starbucks . Dreadful quiche, ok mushroom puree (called bisque but no cream or even stock that I could discern), vapid white bordeaux by the glass. Lunch was $25, which seemed much for the small quantity and poor execution. I digress, back to H-2. No plans announced by Harold yet. I imagine he just wants to rest. Running a restaurant has to be exhausting these days. LMF Wed Sep 16 23:40:12 -0700 2009 5023012 10438 LilMsFoodie 1 5044434 the word on Naples Tomato is that the quality of the food has gone down. still some good dishes (lasagne) but they lost their great chef Sebastion because he didn't want to compromise...and i think that's why they can do all the discounts and half-offs. and now its wants to franchise--the kiss of death for quality food (unless you only want to be a steak house). will try the new place next to it. Sun Sep 20 15:58:13 -0700 2009 3653360 1107105 Zeits 2 5053967 And even on 5th Ave, there are summer discounts...look at Mangrove Cafe...dinner for two $29.95, I think...it's very difficult in the summer here for any restaurant. Wed Sep 23 19:43:24 -0700 2009 5053958 11983 Val 3 5057843 Sorry to hear Naples Tomato is not as good as they were, without Sebastian. Cafe Italia, a few doors down from Naples Tomato, has been doing a great business. Some say it's more tasty and authentic Italian than Naples Tomato. Worth a try. I wanted to do a review on them, but they wouldn't even let me have a copy of their menu. Odd. I can't remember 8 dishes and their ingredients, after a few glasses of wine. I enjoyed the food. I like Two Brothers Baci for Italian-great taste, fun crew, and free live entertainment evey night-beat that! Fri Sep 25 09:27:11 -0700 2009 5053967 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 4 5078590 Here's some Naples spots I like. I am a fan of European Bakery and Cafe. I've had their very good Polish/european soups, multigrain bread, cakes and coffee for breakfast/lunch, and soon will try their dinner. http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/search/label/european%20Bakery I am crazy for Gracie's Cupcakes. I have had two dozen so far, and am ready for more. They are made fresh daily without preservatives, and are oh-so-tender and delicious. She makes her cupcakes into an art form worth buying, again and again. http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/search/label/Gracie%27s%20Cupcakes Falafel Grill in Naples on Oine Ridge by Saffron, behind the Hess gas station is the real thing, run by a nice family. Great healthy food and great prices. Have a big lunch or dinner for under $6-7. I'll have my write up soon. I've been trying a few other places, none worth a strong positive recommendation, so my search continues.. Sun Oct 04 15:01:04 -0700 2009 5057843 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 5 5099890 i'll have to try the Falafel Grill--i pass it every day. bought some falafel from costco because i was jonesing for it--fell extremely flat. Tue Oct 13 10:46:53 -0700 2009 5078590 1107105 Zeits 6 5100401 Went back to Falafel Grill for my second time on Friday...had the falafel supreme which comes with roasted eggplant in with the falafels in the whole wheat pita...SO delish! One of the owners was out on Pine Ridge Road holding a Falafel Grill sign... Maybe once they have their name on the marquee for that plaza, he won't need to do that anymore...poor guy in this heat.... Tue Oct 13 13:20:19 -0700 2009 5099890 11983 Val 7 5102768 just got back from Falafel Grill--and my wife and i both agree its great. as a matter of fact we caught the owner just as she was leaving to go and hold the sign on PR--anyway we get there and i assumed it was where the old Noodles was but instead it was where a bunch of mediocre pizza and what not places had been. we got there around noon and was empty...then it started to fill up with local workers and locals from around town. i had the falafel supreme and it was delicious and my wife had the greek chicken salad. it is no frills, still getting their bearings kind of place and i think they will do well. (just realized that An Insat App specified that it was not the old noodles/ newish saffron place. by the way, how is Saffron? Wed Oct 14 11:25:55 -0700 2009 5100401 1107105 Zeits 8 5102830 Yay, glad you tried it and liked it. (I kinda like the 'no frills' thing--helps keep the prices down so that we local workers can afford it!) Wed Oct 14 11:42:11 -0700 2009 5102768 11983 Val 9 5103506 I have my blog report up on Falafel Grill at: http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/search/label/Falafel%20Grill It's rough starting a mom and pop shop. I help in any way I can.Eveyone wins when they can survive, succeed, and keep prices low. Zeits, Saffron is good to very good on items. I like to have their tasting appetizer platter, the Chicken Tikka Kadai, and a few hot dishes. Wed Oct 14 15:36:13 -0700 2009 5102830 138338 An Insatiable Appetite 10 5103603 Ivan, would you say that Saffron has improved a bit since it first opened? Thanks! And, it really is a great service you do to help these little places, I must say; Falafel Grill reminds me of a little place in San Francisco that I went to with my son in January--just a little place where you order at the counter, no big deal...they tell you it is ready...everything was fresh and delicious, not pretentious and definitely owned and run by folks who KNOW their falafel! There was no atmosphere...just good food and sometimes, that's all you need. Wed Oct 14 16:17:18 -0700 2009 5103506 11983 Val 11 5103800 Val, So well put on your describing Falafel's wonderful food and siimple setting. I've found Saffron's improved over time. Customers can drive them, or any interantional restaurant nuts when they claim a dish isn't made "right". I've been to Saffron with thw well erspected Indian cooks who proclaim it "good", and quickly state "The best Indian food is only found in an Indian's home kitchen!". Folks who have "rogan josh" wiht one cook act surprised when it's different at another restaurant. Well, it's different at the spots in Kashmir, wher it originated, too! Hindu and Muslim preparations differ greatly in Kashmir, and they cook the rogan josh just 20 feet apart. Wed Oct 14 17:38:41 -0700 2009 5103603 138338 An Insatiable Appetite